Family:

Lamiaceae

Prostanthera lasianthos

Mint Bush

Other Names: Victorian Christmas Bush

First Nations Name(s):

Name Origin:

Prostanthera — from Greek prostheke, appendage, and enthera, anther, alluding to spur-like anther appendage.

lasianthos — from Greek lasios, woolly, and anthera, anther, referring to woolly anthers.

Regional Subspecies:

Occurrence:

Regional:

Noted in the areas: Bowna-Jindera; Yambla and Upper Gilmore. Probably also in similar country in surrounding areas.

Australia:

Qld, NSW, Vic, Tas.

Habitat:

Rainforest, sclerophyll forest and subalpine woodland, mainly along watercourses and moist gullies.

Habit:

Shrub to small tree, usually 1-6 m high. Bushy crown of aromatic leaves 4-12 cm long.

Site Preference:

Moist, well-drained soil in shady areas. Tolerates frost.

Characteristics:

Fast-growing.

Flowering:

White to pale-mauve with purple spots, Nov-Mar.

Seed Collection:

Early to late Jan. Monitor closely as seeds shed immediately or 1-2 days after maturity.

Propagation:

From cuttings of short laterals with heels, Feb to July, or from fresh seed which may give erratic results. Cuttings may be slow to strike. Mist may rot cuttings.

Regeneration:

From seed.

VALUES:

Wildlife:

Flowers food for native bees and wasps.

Timber:

Hard and tough. Saplings used for fishing rods.

Ornamental:

Attractive ornamental. Spectacular in flower. Useful screen, although requires protection from strong wind. Benefits from mulching, summer watering and pruning after flowering.